CSF amyloid-β and tau proteins, and cognitive performance, in early and untreated Parkinson's Disease: the Norwegian ParkWest study

• Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology is found in a considerable portion of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), particularly those with early dementia (PDD). Altered cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of amyloid-beta (Abeta) and tau proteins have been found in PDD, with intermediate changes for Abeta42 in non-demented PD. The authors investigated whether AD-related CSF protein levels are altered and relate to neuropsychological performance in early, untreated PD. Methods CSF concentrations of Abeta42, Abeta40 and Abeta38 were measured by electrochemiluminiscene and levels of total tau (T-tau) and phosphorylated tau (P-tau) by ELISA in 109 newly diagnosed, unmedicated, non-demented, community-based PD patients who had undergone comprehensive neuropsychological testing, and were compared with those of 36 age-matched normal controls and 20 subjects with mild AD. Results PD patients displayed significant reductions in Abeta42 (19%; p=0.009), Abeta40 (15.5%; p=0.008) and Abeta38 (23%; p=0.004) but not T-tau (p=0.816) or P-tau (p=0.531) compared with controls. CSF Abeta42 reductions in PD were less marked than in AD (53%; p=0.002). Sequential regression analyses demonstrated significant associations between CSF levels of Abeta42 (beta=0.205; p=0.019), Abeta40 (beta=0.378; p<0.001) and Abeta38 (beta=0.288; p=0.001) and memory impairment, but not executive-attentional or visuospatial dysfunction. Tau protein levels did not correlate with cognitive measures. Conclusion CSF Abeta levels are altered in a subset of patients with early PD and relate to memory impairment. Our study suggests that alterations in Abeta protein metabolism may contribute to the heterogeneity in pattern and course of cognitive decline associated with PD. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the clinical significance of CSF Abeta peptides as prognostic biomarkers in PD.

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MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Psykiatri (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Psychiatry (hsv//eng)

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